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Arabic (BA)

Arabic is the 5th most spoken language in the world. It is one of six official U.N. languages. The U.S. Department of State considers Arabic a critical language.

Learn one of the world’s most important languages, the official language of 26 countries and the first language of nearly 300 million native speakers. Arabic is the language of scripture and prayer for more than a billion people and it was the most widespread language of science and philosophy for a millennium. Unlike Arabic programs at most other universities, Ohio State’s Arabic major includes a comprehensive curriculum with advanced courses on literature and culture conducted entirely in Arabic.

Why a Degree in Arabic?

Ohio State is one of the top producers of Arabic majors in the U.S. Arabic expertise is in demand in the fields of government, business and education. Graduating students can converse in Arabic and can read both classical and modern texts, from the Qur’an to modern daily newspapers.

Persian

South Asia Studies

South Asia is an area rich in culture and history and is now increasingly important on the global scene. The minor addresses the following: the history, society and cultures associated with the South Asia region; the religions associated with the South Asia region and their impact on the peoples living there; the arts and literatures associated with the South Asia region. (SASIAST-MN)

Turkish Studies

The minor in Turkish consists of 15 credit hours of course work as listed below, in addition to the prerequisites required. Up to six credit hours of overlap between the minor and the GE will be permitted. (TURKISH-MN)

Near Eastern Languages and Cultures

The MA program in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NELC) offers study in some of the world’s richest languages, literatures, and cultural traditions including Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish, as well as a number of ancient Near Eastern languages, among them Aramaic, Biblical Hebrew, and Ugaritic. (MA, PhD)

Affiliated Departments & Centers

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

The Arabic major is offered by the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and includes courses in the language, literature and culture of the Arab world. Students studying Arabic progress from an elementary working knowledge of the language toward oral and written proficiency.

Careers in which Arabic is the primary emphasis include teaching Arabic at all levels; interpreting and translating for the United Nations, government, or for private and public organizations; working with the special forces, trade and security, or as an information analyst for foreign embassies; and a variety of positions in hospitality, banking, consulting and business.

courses you might take:

Arabic 2705:
The Arabian Nights

Readings from The Arabian Nights; the history of the text, translations and literary and cinematic adaptations.

Arabic 2241:
Culture of the Contemporary Arab World

A general survey and examination of the socio-cultural structure of the modern Arab World. Taught in English.

Arabic 2702:
Modern Arabic Literature in Translation

Reading and analysis of representative works of the 19th and 20th centuries; by contemporary women authors.

The Qur'an in Translation:
Arabic 5701

An introduction, in English, to the literary, religious, and cultural implications of the fundamental book of Islam.

Beyond the Classroom

Muslim Student's Association

The MSA-OSU is a student organization devoted to serving the best interests of Islam and the Muslims of OSU, strengthening the Muslim community through service and activism, educating both Muslims and people of other faiths about the religion of Islam, and facilitating a better environment for students on campus.

Arab Student Union

The Arab Student Union seeks to create and maintain an Arab environment for the benefit of Arab students and interested members of the community by promoting a better understanding of Arab history, culture, and political and religious diversity at The Ohio State University. ASU hopes to educate its members and the university community about the diverse Arab culture and increase positive awareness of the Arab American heritage.

Study Abroad - CIEE Arabic Language in Jordan

The Arabic Language study abroad program in Amman, Jordan is designed for students who seek to attain proficiency in the language. In addition to language instruction in Modern Standard Arabic, students have equivalent instruction in Colloquial Jordanian Arabic. Contact angerman.6@osu.edu for more information.

Study Abroad - ALIF Arabic Language and Culture

Through the University of Minnesota (UMN) and the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) Ohio State students have the opportunity to study Moroccan culture and the Arabic language in the city of Fez. The program includes excursions to the neighboring city of Meknes and the Sahara desert. Contact angerman.6@osu.edu for more information.